Weather
Southern Colorado Flood Watch: 3-4 Inches of Rain Possible Oct. 21-23
Colorado Springs, CO – A powerful Pacific storm system is bringing a growing heavy rainfall threat to portions of southern Colorado beginning Wednesday, October 21, with forecasters warning that sever
By Evan Cross · 2026-10-21T10:39:10.422Z
Colorado Springs, CO – A powerful Pacific storm system is bringing a growing heavy rainfall threat to portions of southern Colorado beginning Wednesday, October 21, with forecasters warning that several inches of rain could trigger flooding in mountain communities through Friday. Meanwhile, Colorado Springs and surrounding El Paso County face a significant weather change heading into Saturday, when temperatures are expected to plunge nearly 20 degrees from Friday's high.
According to the National Weather Service in Pueblo, periods of moderate to heavy rainfall will develop along the Continental Divide Wednesday, intensifying across the San Juan Mountains through Thursday and Friday. A Flood Watch is in effect for the eastern San Juan Mountains and Upper Rio Grande Valley from late Wednesday night through Friday afternoon, where already saturated ground increases the potential for excessive runoff.
Up to 4 Inches of Rain Possible in Colorado Mountains Forecasters say the San Juan Range could receive 3 to 4 inches of total rainfall, while portions of the central mountains, San Luis Valley and eastern mountains could see up to an inch.
The combination of heavy rain and melting snow at higher elevations may increase flooding concerns across the San Juan Mountains beginning early Thursday and continuing into Friday.
Snow levels are expected to remain above 12,000 feet for much of the storm before dropping to approximately 11,000 feet Friday.
The National Weather Service urges travelers crossing mountain passes in south central and southwestern Colorado to exercise extreme caution.
These significant rainfall projections primarily concern mountain areas, not downtown Colorado Springs.
Colorado Springs Five Day Weather Outlook Wednesday 10/21: Mostly sunny skies are expected across Colorado Springs, with a high near 73 degrees. Southeast winds increase to 10 15 mph during the afternoon. Wednesday night becomes mostly cloudy, with temperatures dropping near 49 degrees.
Thursday 10/22: Temperatures reach approximately 74 degrees under mostly cloudy skies before gradually becoming mostly sunny. A 10% chance of showers and thunderstorms develops after 3 p.m. Thursday night remains mostly cloudy, with a low near 51 degrees.
Friday 10/23: Mostly sunny conditions return, with a high near 76 degrees. Breezy southwest winds increase to 15 20 mph during the afternoon, with gusts potentially reaching 30 mph. Friday night temperatures fall to approximately 45 degrees.
Saturday 10/24: A substantial cooldown arrives, with highs reaching only 58 degrees, an 18 degree drop from Friday. A 50% chance of showers develops mainly after noon, accompanied by northeast winds of 10 20 mph and gusts up to 30 mph. Saturday night brings a 70% chance of showers and lows near 35 degrees.
Sunday 10/25: Cooler conditions continue, with a high near 55 degrees and a 40% chance of showers. Thunderstorms are also possible during the afternoon. Sunday night temperatures fall near 35 degrees, with a 30% chance of showers.
Longer Range Outlook Points Toward Wetter Conditions NOAA's Climate Prediction Center outlook for October 28 through November 3 favors above normal precipitation across much of Colorado.
The temperature outlook also favors above normal temperatures across southern and eastern Colorado during that period, suggesting the weekend cooldown may not represent a prolonged cold pattern.
These outlooks indicate broader weather probabilities rather than specific daily rainfall totals or guaranteed temperature changes.
Residents and Travelers Should Monitor Conditions Although the heaviest rainfall threat is concentrated in the mountains, Colorado Springs residents should prepare for changing conditions this weekend.
Travelers heading toward the San Juan Mountains, San Luis Valley or other affected mountain areas should monitor National Weather Service alerts and road conditions before departing.
Flooding can develop quickly near streams, low water crossings and mountain drainage areas during prolonged heavy rainfall.
Official forecast updates are available at weather.gov/pub.